R-9300 Polyurethane Foam Lowers Energy Costs for Buildings

When CSI of Virginia, a distributor of products for commercial, industrial, and cold storage facilities, decided to partner with General Plastics to distribute their R-9300 series, the main application CSI had in mind was, cold storage. The foam provided excellent thermal isolation for the freezer projects CSI was involved in and complemented other products the company sold.

Seven years later, after much success, CSI is still partnering with GP; however, the foam’s uses have dramatically expanded.

“We’re finding a variety of ways for the same product to be used in many other applications, and we’re focusing on moving towards those,” said Kevin Clasbey, President and Owner of CSI.

In particular, GP and CSI are working to take advantage of the foam’s unique combination of insulation and structural qualities.

Insulation

Made from high-density, rigid cellular polyurethane material, the foam blocks can be used for thermal control from roof to the foundation – a critical element in construction.

For example rooftop equipment mounted on a structural support penetrates the roof. The high-density foam can be placed in the roof insulation stack eliminating the thermal short-circuit that would normally be found.

New energy codes such as the 2012 IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) are demanding higher standards of thermal isolation and increased, thermal performance for buildings requiring heating or cooling using a better thermal barrier, such as the R-9300 series, reduces the thermal bridge through adjoining materials and satisfies the requirements of the new codes. This results in reduced energy costs as well as a decreased environmental impact, therefore enabling buildings to meet these new energy standards.

This use extends to a variety of applications, including guardrails for roof-perimeter fall protection, canopies and mansards that penetrate the exterior wall, and exterior precast, tiltup, brick, and CMU walls where the wall insulation should be tied into the perimeter insulation.

Structural

When it comes to structural needs, the R-9300’s durability makes it preferable to all other products available.

“From a structural standpoint, wood is the only another viable option, however, wood is subject to rot insect infestation, and variations of structural properties,” said Clasbey. “The beauty of a structural, manmade product like General Plastics is that, from a design standpoint, the engineer knows he can count on that product to perform exactly the way he expects it to, every time.”

For over 20 years, R-9300 blocks have been sold and used continuously, favored for their certified tested endurance, and resistance to moisture and creep.

Whether commercial or residential, General Plastics’ R-9300 foam can enhance energy efficiency and meet your structural requirements. Give us a call and we’ll work together to see if polyurethane foam could be the perfect solution for your thermal isolation needs.

Click here for more information on construction applications of the R-9300.